Assumption students pursuing an English degree must concentrate in either literature or writing & mass communications.

Gateway to the Major (1)

Historical Perspective (3)

The following courses are required but need not be taken according to the sequence in which they are listed or numbered, although it is preferable to take Literature Survey I before Literature Survey II:

Writing Unit (1)

One 200–300 level writing course chosen from the following:

Major Electives (4)

At least three of the four electives should be literature courses. One course must address writing by historically underrepresented groups, such as ENG 287 American Women of Color, ENG 379 Post-Colonial Literature, ENG 386 Native American Writing, and Representation, or ENG 387 Survey of African-American Literature. These elective courses cannot double-count.

Capstone Senior Seminar Eng 411–414 (1)

NOTE: These classes cannot double count for each other. These courses can be chosen from the English course offerings in literature, writing, and film. In making these choices, the student should note that of the ten courses required for the major, at least five must be at the 300–400 level. One course in classical language (GRK, LAT), one literature course in a foreign language (FRE, GER, ITA, SPA), or one comparative literature course (CLT) can be counted toward the English major; no special permission is required. An internship is recommended in the junior or senior year.

Course Descriptions

• Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
• English Major Course Descriptions

Assumption students pursuing a degree in communication and media complete a minimum of eleven courses.  The major combines the skills of rhetorical analysis, effective style, critical thinking, and ethical questioning with contemporary applications through oral, written, and visual communications in both traditional and new media. The goal of the program is to help students understand how language shapes our world and to use responsibly and effectively the various forms of communication that define and construct contemporary life and culture. The major thrust of the curriculum is toward a broad and thorough education in the liberal arts in a creative hybrid form that also prepares students for graduate school, law school, careers in journalism and professional writing, in creative writing and publishing, in public relations, in teaching, and in other areas of the growing and changing field of communication and media.

Required Courses (11)

These do not include ENG 130 English Composition or LTE 140 Introduction to Literature. Students may take a total of 14 courses designated ENG for the WMC major.

Gateway Courses (3)

Electives: Literature (3)

Three literature classes, two of which must be at level 300 or higher.

Capstones (2)

Speciality (3) Three Courses from ONE of these Specialties

Journalism and Professional Writing

Creative Writing

Media Studies and Production

Course Descriptions

• Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
• Major in Communication and Media Course Descriptions

The Elementary Education Track applies only to those students who are pursuing a major in Education with a licensure emphasis in Elementary (1-6). If a student withdraws from the Education major, then the option to pursue the Elementary Track in the English major no longer applies. English majors who are pursuing licensure in Middle/Secondary Education (5-8; 8-12) would still complete the standard 10-course English major in Literature.

English Education Core (4)

Historical Perspective (2)

Students are strongly recommended to take all three courses.

Writing Unit (1)

One 200-300 level writing course chosen from the following:

Major Electives (2)

Two 300 level literature courses from among department offerings. Students are recommended to take both 300-level literature courses before taking the Senior Seminar.

Capstone (1)

Course Descriptions

• Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
• English Major in Literature, Elementary Education Course Descriptions

The Department of English works closely with Assumption’s Department of Education to prepare students for the teaching of English in secondary schools. Such students should consider a major in English and a major in secondary education. The major in English provides students with 30 hours of coursework in the field of knowledge competency required for certification by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Students preparing to teach English at the elementary or secondary level are strongly encouraged to meet with a member of the English Department as early in their academic experience as possible. Application for the appropriate education major must be made to Assumption’s Department of Education by the spring of the sophomore year. Students should plan their courses of study working closely with members of both the Education and English Departments.

Course Descriptions

• Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
• Double Major in Secondary Education and English Course Descriptions

Students who are majoring in other disciplines can minor in English or Writing.

The minor consists of 18 credits (six courses) in English. These do not include ENG 130 English Composition or LTE 140 Introduction to Literature. At least three of these courses must be in literature, and at least one must be a writing course at the 200-level or above.  The remaining courses may be courses in film, literature, or writing. The student who intends to apply for an English Minor is urged to seek the advice of a faculty member in the department in order to design a program that is best suited to the student’s interests and professional goals.

Required Courses

English composition (does not count toward 6 courses)

3 literature courses

At least one writing course at the 200-level or above

Writing

A minor in writing includes six classes (18 credits) in writing, two of which may be Writing Emphasis literature classes.

Interested in Law School?
The study of English, with its focus on the interpretation of written texts and evidence-based argumentation in writing and speech, helps students acquire the skills and habits of mind essential to success in law school.  In fact, the American Bar Association confirms that majors and minors across the curriculum, combined with a strong liberal education, provide excellent preparation for law school. Assumption’s Pre-Law Program provides personalized advising, co-curricular activities, and development opportunities for all students considering law school. See the “Pre-Law” section under “Pre-Professional Programs of Study.” Above all, students considering law school should choose a major that interests them, pursue academic excellence in that field, and contact the pre-law advising coordinator, Prof. Carl Keyes, Department of History, ckeyes@assumption.edu or 508 767-7324. 

Course Descriptions

• Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
• English Minor Course Descriptions

A student majoring in a department other than English may elect to minor in Writing. Six writing courses in addition to English 130 are required for the minor. Students interested in the Writing Minor are encouraged to seek the counsel of a member of the English Department.

WGBH Boston offers internships in writing, production, and public relations for programs including The Antiques Roadshow, The American Experience, and This Old House.

The American Cancer Society offers internships in writing, editing, public relations, community development, and educational liaison.

Central Massachusetts Convention and Visitors Bureau interns write press releases, interview public figures and celebrities, work to develop special events and festivals.

WHDH-TV 7 Boston offers internships in newsroom writing, including feature stories, sports, and entertainment broadcasting, cyber-journalism, public relations, and editing.

PULSE Magazine offers internships in journalism, marketing, editing, and public relations.

Boston Globe offers journalism and online web journalism, layout and design, and editing.

Worcester Telegram and Gazette offers writing and editing opportunities in every department.

WAAF offers training in broadcasting, public relations, writing, and advertising.

Davis Publishing offers interns a choice of editing, graphic design, public relations, and technical writing opportunities.